Major Advantages of Remco Evenepoel's Switch from Soudal-QuickStep to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe
Remco Evenepoel Makes Shock Move to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe
Remco Evenepoel, the Belgian cycling sensation, has made the unexpected decision to leave Soudal-QuickStep early and join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe at the end of the 2025 season.
After more than six years with Soudal-QuickStep, where he turned professional and achieved major victories such as Liège–Bastogne–Liège, the Vuelta a España, and a world time trial title, Evenepoel appeared ready for a change in team setting and ambitions.
Evenepoel's representatives informed Soudal-QuickStep management of his decision, prompting a mutual agreement to allow him to move ahead of schedule. Key factors influencing this decision include a desire for a new environment, strategic decisions by team management, and the athlete's ambition to align with a different team structure and future goals.
The move to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, a German team with one of the biggest budgets in cycling, indicates Evenepoel's motivation to seek new challenges and support for his Grand Tour and WorldTour ambitions. The team is aiming to be Evenepoel's primary team, with a focus on getting him to the top step of the Tour de France.
Sven Thourenhout, Klaas Lodewyck, and Mattia Cattaneo are expected to join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe in 2026. Specialized will continue to provide the bikes for the team, allowing Evenepoel to avoid having to get to know a new road bike or re-optimize for a different time trial bike.
Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe is ending their partnerships with Chief of Sports Rolf Aldag and lead DS Enrico Gasparotto to make way for Evenepoel and his entourage. The team offers Evenepoel the opportunity to maximize preparation, equipment, and have a strong support squad.
Team CEO Ralph Denk stated that Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe is entering "A new chapter" with Evenepoel's arrival. Flemish media reports that Klaas Lodewyck will join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe in the coming weeks. Evenepoel's move was also influenced by the wealth of climbing support offered by Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, making it likely that he will have one of the strongest supporting casts at the next Tour de France.
[1] CyclingNews. (2022). Remco Evenepoel to leave Soudal-QuickStep early and join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. [online] Available at: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/remco-evenepoel-to-leave-soudal-quickstep-early-and-join-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe/
[2] Velonews. (2022). Remco Evenepoel to leave Soudal-QuickStep early and join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. [online] Available at: https://velonews.com/news/racing/remco-evenepoel-to-leave-soudal-quickstep-early-and-join-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe/
[3] CyclingWeekly. (2022). Remco Evenepoel to leave Soudal-QuickStep early and join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. [online] Available at: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/remco-evenepoel-to-leave-soudal-quickstep-early-and-join-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe-375516
[4] Road.cc. (2022). Remco Evenepoel to leave Soudal-QuickStep early and join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. [online] Available at: https://road.cc/content/news/remco-evenepoel-to-leave-soudal-quickstep-early-and-join-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe-375516
- Remco Evenepoel's decision to join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe showcases that he aims to broaden his horizons beyond road cycling, indicating an interest in venturing into the broader realm of sports.
- While Remco Evenepoel is known for his exceptional road cycling skills, his move to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe could potentially open doors to other sports interests, making a balance with football a possible future scenario.
